Covington, LA

Founded in 1813 and now the parish (county) seat of St. Tammany, Covington is a charming town with terrific restaurants and shopping. Stroll the streets of Covington’s historic downtown district to discover galleries, boutiques, antiques shops, restaurants, and nightlife. HJ Smith & Son General Store and Museum offers a glimpse back into time, and right next door at the St. Tammany Art Association, you'll see contemporary art in the Miriam Barranger Gallery and for sale in the members' galleries. The historic and newly restored boutique Southern Hotel, Blue Willow B&B, and the Camellia House B&B are all within walking distance of the historic district.

You won't want to miss the wonderful Covington Farmers Market or A Taste of Covington, an annual five-day food and wine experience that sells out every April, so plan early. Art Walks, Mardi Gras parades, Chef Soiree, and Concerts on the Landing are just a few highlights of the year-round fun in Covington.

You can rent bicycles for the Tammany Trace bike path in the heart of town or drive a few miles to see live alligators at the Insta-Gator Ranch, touted in Travel & Leisure Magazine as the Best Place to See Baby Animals (Gators).

Read a blog post from U.S. Gulf Coast States Geotourism MapGuide about Covington and what it's like to visit H.J. Smith Sons General Store & Museum, the "epicenter of Covington's historical charm."

Nosh your way through the Covington Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays and frequented by chefs and foodies. Look for fresh farm eggs from “The Egg Ladies,” kombucha and bitters from “Kombucha Girl,” and regional specialties like stuffed artichokes, fig cookies and Delta tamales. Local farmers set out heirloom tomatoes, gorgeous greens and Louisiana citrus at this popular Farmers Market.

The 31-mile-long Tammany Trace, Louisiana's first and only Rails to Trails Conservancy hike/bike path, begins in Covington and ribbons through quaint towns and lovely green spaces. Bring your own bike, or rent one in downtown Covington, and pedal at your own pace through the scenic Northshore.

The fun and surprising Insta-Gator Ranch was declared the Best Place to See Baby Animals (Gators) by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Here's your chance to learn all about the prehistoric reptiles, see them up close and, if you're brave enough, even touch one or hatch an egg in your hand.

H.J. Smith's Sons General Store has been in continuous operation since the late 19th century. Now selling hardware and a crazy variety of items -- need a gator claw back scratcher? a camouflage hat? a Viking stove? -- the Smith family has preserved the original general store as a free museum. Read a blog post from U.S. Gulf Coast States Geotourism MapGuide about the store and museum, the "epicenter of Covington's historical charm."